Srinagar, Jan 28 (ANI): The wreath laying ceremony was being held on Wednesday for martyr Colonel MN Rai in Srinagar, who sacrificed his life while battling a group of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Colonel Rai was conferred the Yudh Seva medal by President Pranab Mukherjee on Republic Day for outstanding contribution in planning and conduct of operations including a gun battle with militants. General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Kashmir-based 15 Corps of the Indian army, Lieutenant General Subrata Saha said that Colonel MN Rai's quick thinking and retaliation led to death of terrorist in Tral.Jan 28, 2015

New Delhi, Jan 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai on his birth anniversary. The Prime Minister took to twitter to honour the leader. "Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai was a unique personality who was ahead of his time. I salute this proud son of India on his birth anniversary," he posted. Born in 1865, Lala Lajpat Rai was leader in the fight for independence. He was popularly known as 'Punjab Kesari' and was also called 'Sher-E-Punjab'.Jan 28, 2015

New Delhi, Jan 28 (ANI): Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Monday said that a bilateral meeting is being held between India and Germany aiming at strengthening the cooperation between the two nations on issues related to environment. Javadekar and German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks held discussions on various issues related to environment including climate change and sustainable development. The meeting is being held in the wake of nations preparing national plans for cutting down their carbon emissions after 2020 annually. The two-day event will focus on issues of waste and water management, resource efficiency and sustainable urban development.Jan 28, 2015

Ghaziabad, Jan 28 (ANI): Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama said that although he did not support nuclear weapons but certain nations could keep it for safety for all. Dalai Lama was in Ghaziabad as the chief guest in a school function. When asked about the civil nuclear cooperation between India and the United States, which has been revived by US President Barack Obama's visit, the Dalai Lama said that he considered India as a huge and populous nation and hence it had a right to keep nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, Dalai Lama added that India was a great country because of its cultural diversity and the young generation was the future and hope of the nation.Jan 28, 2015

Amritsar, Jan 28 (ANI): Swine flu claimed another life in Amritsar city of Punjab. The victim was a 50-year-old woman who succumbed to the deadly virus soon after she was brought to a government hospital for treatment. Victim's Son Surdeep Singh further claimed that after an hour of his mother's death the doctors told them the reports showed her positive for the deadly virus and the hospital did not have the requisite measures in place as claimed by the government. However, Civil Surgeon Doctor Ajeet Bhalla refuted these allegations and said the patient was given proper care. Swine flu is caused by H1N1 virus. H1N1 symptoms are similar to those produced by other influenza viruses - fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and respiratory problems. With the number of swine flu cases rising in India, doctors have advised people to avoid crowded places.Jan 28, 2015

Barmer, Jan 28 (ANI): A MiG-27 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in Barmer district of Rajasthan. The crash happened about eight kilometers from Barmer city, injuring a motorcyclist. According to media reports, the pilot was ejected safely from the aircraft. The injured civilian has been admitted to the district hospital. In 2012, more than half the MiG fleet of 872 aircraft were lost to crashes that killed 171 pilots.Jan 28, 2015